Taste of Vail's Mountaintop Picnic set for Friday

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VAIL - The 23rd Annual Taste of Vail continues Friday with a variety of new and engaging seminars as well as the popular Mountaintop Picnic.

The day beings with Christian Roguenant leading a "Sparkling Wine Primer." This new seminar provides a guided tour of the global landscape of sparkling wines, considered for centuries to be the definitive luxury beverage. Roguenant is the current winemaker at Edna Valley's Nevin Family Wines and is a master craftsman with intimate knowledge of sparkling wine styles. Roguenant also is a consultant with experience in Argentina, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Korea (where he made sparkling wine for the 1988 Olympics), and 15 years at the esteemed French producer Champaign Duetz. The Sparkling Wine Primer is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the Four Seasons Resort Vail and is $50 or included in the Festival Pass.

The signature Mountain top Picnic starts at noon and features a small army of highly acclaimed vintners and the Vail Valley's most prominent chefs serving up a gourmet feast. The picnic takes place at 10,350 feet above sea level and food and wine is showcased in a specially built venue, which provides one of the most unique event venues in ski country. Tickets are available for $135 per person.

New to Taste of Vail is Restaurant Night, which features the culinary talents of chefs throughout the community. Select restaurants will offer wine pairing menus with winemakers and owners on hand to discuss the subtle nuances of their wines. Restaurants such as Zino, Elway's, Vail Chophouse and Mirabelle will offer special selections during Restaurant Night.